Property lines are the lines on your property that define where your land ends and your neighbor’s property begins.

 

Knowing exactly where your home’s property lines begin and end can help avoid many disputes with your neighbors. If you plan to put in a pool, new fencing, or other structures and expansions, it’s important to know where your property lines are as to not overlap with your neighbor’s property. Similarly. If your neighbors make any new additions to their home, you can be sure that they are not taking up any of your space.

 

Fortunately, finding out where your home’s property lines are is fairly easy.

 

 

Review Your Deed

First and foremost, you should be sure to review your deed. Your deed will likely detail where your property lines based on certain landmarks, like a tree or something similar. You can use this information to measure your property lines for yourself.

 

In some cases, you’ll find that your deed may refer you to an earlier deed for details regarding your property lines. So, be prepared to do some digging

 

 

Check With Your Local Zoning Department

If you don’t already have the plat for your home, check with your local zoning department as they keep records of all plats for homes in your area. Plats are maps that are drawn to scale and show exactly where your property lines are. You might also be able to find this information online.

 

If you weren’t able to determine where your property lines are based on your deed, this map will make it clear exactly how your land is divided.

 

 

Consult a Surveyor

If you aren’t able to access a plat, your deed wasn’t clear when defining property lines, or you weren’t able to find the deed with information regarding your property lines, you can still find where your property ends by hiring a professional surveyor. A surveyor will measure your property, map your property, and can mark the corners of your property with stakes to show you exactly where the property lines are.

 

Professional surveyors can be somewhat expensive, depending on your location and the size of your property. You should consult with multiple professional surveyors to discuss the details of what you need to be done, receive a quote, and choose which surveyor best fits your needs.

 

Additionally, you should check to ensure that the surveyor you choose holds all the required licenses and insurance required by your state. Ensuring that your surveyor is licensed and insured will protect you in case he or she makes any mistakes when measuring your property.

 

A professional surveyor is a great option if you aren’t able to access the records that define your property lines.

Whether you plan on making expansions and additions to your home or your neighbors are currently doing the same to their home, understanding where your property lines are located is a great way to avoid conflicts and make sure that nobody is taking over land that the other owns.